September 27, 2023 – A recent analysis of employer-sponsored health plans conducted by Deloitte Consulting has unveiled a stark disparity in out-of-pocket health expenses, with working women in the United States shouldering a staggering $15.4 billion more annually than their male counterparts.
The study’s findings indicate that, on average, women spend 18% more than men on copays and deductibles, even after accounting for pregnancy and maternity-related expenses. This is in spite of women’s total health expenditures being only 10% higher than those of men.
Dr. Kulleni Gebreyes, U.S. Chief Health Equity Officer at Deloitte Consulting, emphasized the implications of this financial discrepancy, stating, “This is a problem we’re identifying that business leaders can actually solve within their own organizations. The takeaway being that women get paid less, and that they pay more for health care.”
The result, she noted, places an undue and disproportionate financial burden on women. Several factors contribute to this inequality, including women’s higher utilization of medical care, often necessitated by annual gynecological exams and the costly nature of breast cancer imaging.
While many annual exams are typically covered, subsequent follow-up services arising from these visits frequently entail copays and deductible triggers. Moreover, these services often exceed the typical deductible amount, thereby exacerbating the cost-sharing burden for women.
Deloitte analysts contend that employers have the capacity to rectify this gender-based cost-sharing gap through more equitable benefits design. This could be achieved at an estimated cost of $133 per employee per year, translating to approximately $11 per month.
Gebreyes called upon companies to scrutinize their data, identify existing disparities, and engage in a more equitable benefits design process to better cater to the healthcare needs of their workforce. In addressing this issue, businesses can play a pivotal role in achieving a fairer and more financially balanced healthcare landscape for working women.
